Accept vs. ExceptThe words "accept" and "except" are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, but they have different meanings and uses.
"Accept" is a verb that means to receive or take something willingly; to agree to something; or to regard something as true, proper, or appropriate.
Example sentences: Anna decided to accept the publishing deal…
Self-Editing Tip: Avoid run-on sentences and sentence fragments.A run-on sentence is when two independent clauses (ideas that can stand alone as sentences) are joined without the right punctuation. It's like trying to pack too much information into one sentence without giving your reader a chance to process it. This can cause confusion as one idea…
Tools for Authors: OtterTime for another author tool! ✍ If you're curious about dictation, this one's for you. Otter is a speech-to-text transcription tool. Although it wasn't specifically designed for fiction dictation, you can certainly use it that way.
Otter is a risk-free way to test the waters if you're interested in giving dictation a try…
Which version have you been writing? beckon call (wrong)beck and call (right)The idiom "beck and call" means to be available and ready to obey someone's orders or requests immediately. It implies being at someone's constant service or disposal. It originates from the Middle English word "beck," which means a gesture or signal, often referring to a…
Lose vs. LooseDo you mix these up? "Lose" and "loose" are two different words with distinct meanings and usage.
"Lose" is a verb that means to no longer have something, to misplace something, or to fail to win.
Example sentences:
She didn't want to lose the love of her life over a misunderstanding.
He loved to lose himself in…
Do you know when to use a semicolon?1. To join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. (CMOS 6.56)
2. To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. (CMOS 6.57-6.58)
3. To separate punctuated items in a list. (CMOS 6.60)
For a few examples, check out this short video I made.
Self-Editing Tip: Proofreading your work in different mediums and on different devices can help you catch errors you missed.This is a quick and easy tip that makes a BIG difference.
Changing the doc or file format before you proofread your work will help you notice things you might miss otherwise.
If you normally read your manuscript…
Tools for Authors: NotionNotion is a versatile productivity tool. Although it wasn't designed specifically for fiction authors, it offers a useful platform for streamlining the creative process. With features like customizable databases, collaborative workspaces, and seamless integration of notes and research materials, Notion can become a writer's digital haven. Authors can organize plot outlines, character profiles,…
Which one have you been writing?Without further adieu (wrong)Without further ado (right)The idiom "without further ado" is a commonly used expression, signaling the speaker's intention to proceed with a task or topic without unnecessary delay or ceremony. It implies a desire to move forward promptly, skipping any additional formalities or unnecessary steps. The term "ado"…
Retch vs. WretchDo you confuse these words? "Retch" and "wretch" may sound alike, but their meanings are completely different. Mixing them up could create some unintended humor. I've seen it in action. LOL.
"Retch" is a verb that refers to vomiting, being on the verge of vomiting, or making the sound and movement of trying…
Here are five memes that tickled my funny bone with word play, editing humor, love for spicy romance, and an inappropriate morbid joke. Enjoy!
1. Gotta love the English language. It's so fun!
2. Arrrrre you aware that Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19?
3. When you work from home, you can fly your freak…
Self-Editing Tip: Fact-check information to ensure accuracy in your writing. Misinformation can damage your credibility.This is a quick tip, but it's an important one. If your story includes any real-world elements that you're unfamiliar with, make sure you do the necessary research to represent them accurately. You may have readers that are more familiar with…
December came and went without me so much as posting a simple "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year." Whoops! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.
I didn't celebrate this year because I was too busy moving (and then recovering from moving). Now, it's a new year, and I'm finally starting to settle in and…
Tools for Authors: TrelloToday's tool is all about productivity! Trello is a simple but powerful project management tool. Although it wasn't designed specifically for fiction authors, it's a fantastic tool for planning and organizing stories. Trello's drag-and-drop interface allows you to easily set up individual storyboarding cards for everything from plot points to character descriptions.…
Which one do you write?hunger pains (wrong)hunger pangs (right)"Hunger pangs" and "hunger pains" are two ways of talking about the same thing: that feeling when your stomach tells you it's time to eat. Both phrases are pretty much the same, describing the discomfort in your belly that says, "Hey, I need some food!"
People started saying…
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